A city centre bank is taking action after staff were “physically threatened” and followed.

The Halifax bank in Petty Cury is hoping to install shutters to stop its entranceway being used as “an overnight shelter”.

The bank says the move comes after a member of staff was “physically threatened” and followed as they closed up the branch at the end of the day.

The business has put in a planning application for folding shutters which it hopes will stop the alcoves at the front of the branch being used as overnight shelters by rough sleepers at night.

The entranceway as it is

An a design access statement submitted with the plans by architects Donani Design, reads: “Following a recent incident, the proposed installation of shutters is required to restrict the misuse of this area as an overnight shelter and risks to staff members.”

A spokesman for Halifax said: “The area immediately in front of the branch doors is out of sight of the main street.

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“In the incident referenced in the planning application an individual physically threatened one of our colleagues and then followed them as they left at the end of the day.”

The bi-folding shutters have been designed to stow within the recessed entrance during opening hours.

How the new shutters could look

According to the design access statement: “The design of the alteration is intended to minimize the impact on the building and wider conservation area, whilst also mitigating any future risk of misuse of the area.

“It is also considered to be in-line with the Cambridge Shop Front Design Guide.”

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